Fear of Infection in Hospital Waiting Areas
Rebecca Quayle's mother, Delia Lodge, fears that something as simple as a cold could be fatal for her daughter, who is living with terminal cancer. This concern intensifies each time they must wait for treatment in the same area as A&E patients at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in Denbighshire.
Delia describes the waiting room as crowded, with individuals coughing and some testing positive for Covid-19, creating an environment she feels is a "death sentence" for Rebecca.
Delia is advocating for the creation of separate waiting areas within the hospital, specifically designated for cancer patients.
Hospital Response and Charity Support
A spokesperson for the Betsi Cadwaladr health board acknowledged the concerns, stating that officials "fully recognise the concerns raised" and are actively working to address them.
Cancer Research Wales emphasized the importance of providing separate waiting areas to prevent delays in vital treatment if patients become ill.
Personal Impact and Campaign Efforts
"Rebecca often feels stressed and anxious about picking up germs when she has to sit and wait in the A&E department,"said Delia, 69, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire.
"Even a common cold could kill Rebecca."
During evenings and weekends, the cancer unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is closed, requiring cancer patients to use the A&E department when unwell.
Concerned about the risks this poses, Delia began campaigning for a safe waiting area for cancer patients and those with weakened immune systems. Through discussions at the hospital and online support, she has gathered 2,500 signatures backing her cause.
Despite her worries, Delia praised the NHS and the staff at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, describing them as "marvellous, superb, and professional." However, she stressed the risk to patients, saying:
"These patients can die if they come into contact with people within the A&E."
Rebecca's Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges
Rebecca was diagnosed with primary breast cancer four years ago. After a period of hope, she was informed that the cancer had spread and become terminal. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
The hospital's layout adds to the stress and anxiety Rebecca experiences during treatment.
Delia hopes to convince hospital officials to convert one of Glan Clwyd's 24 treatment rooms into a waiting area exclusively for cancer patients, describing the issue as "simple" to fix and expressing determination to continue advocating for this change.
"The current measures aren't enough,"Delia said.
"Every patient, especially those with cancer, should feel safe when they come to the hospital."
Support from Cancer Survivors
Gemma Bailey, 38, from Manchester, a close friend of Delia and a cancer survivor herself, supports the campaign for dedicated waiting rooms.
"Sitting in a crowded, general waiting area adds another layer of anxiety,"Gemma said.
"Every cough, every sneeze becomes a potential danger."
Health Board's Position and Challenges
Chris Lynes, deputy executive director of nursing and midwifery at the health board, acknowledged the concerns about immunocompromised patients spending time in emergency departments. He explained that cancer and emergency care teams are collaborating to address the issue.
He noted that despite best efforts, there is often no suitable space within or near emergency departments that can be used safely as a separate waiting area while allowing staff to monitor patients who may deteriorate.
"While we are not currently able to implement the suggestion of a separate designated area, we want to reassure patients and families that our teams are fully aware of these concerns and remain committed to providing safe, compassionate care while continuing to explore ways to improve the experience for all patients."
Cancer Research Wales' Perspective
Cancer Research Wales supports the provision of separate waiting areas, noting that patients with cancer or compromised immune systems are already likely to experience anxiety while awaiting treatment.
Dr. Lee Campbell, head of research, stated:
"It's important to note as well that if cancer patients or people who have a compromised immune system get ill, it could also run the risk of them having their treatments delayed."
"While strict infection control measures are in place in all hospitals in Wales, we are not aware of separate waiting areas being consistently made available for cancer patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems."
